UPDATE: Aircraft carrier USS Nimitz sails past West Seattle, headed for home

5:21 PM: Seven months after heading out on deployment the Monday after Thanksgiving, the crew of the USS Nimitz (CVN-68) is homeward bound to Bremerton on the weekend before Independence Day. Thanks to Andrea for the tip; MarineTraffic.com shows the aircraft carrier passing south Whidbey Island right now. How long it’ll take to be in view from West Seattle depends on its speed, currently 15 knots (17 miles) per hour.

(Photo by Jerry Simmons)

6:25 PM: MarineTraffic now shows the Nimitz passing West Point on the north edge of Elliott Bay, so it should be coming into view if you look north from Alki and vicinity. The Nimitz stopped in San Diego on its way home; Navy Times published this short story about the conclusion of its deployment.

7:14 PM: It’s now turned into Rich Passage on the final leg of the journey home.

John G July 2, 2023 (5:41 pm)

Nice! Please update when it’s in sight!!!

Rhonda July 2, 2023 (5:42 pm)

Useless Bay, which is where ships turn to head south at the tip of Whidbey Island, is exactly 28 miles as the crow flies from downtown Seattle. At 17 mph it should be visible about an hour ×/- from now.

Tim Westveer July 2, 2023 (6:49 pm)

From 61st on Alki, afternoon sun shades the vessel.

Tim Westveer July 2, 2023 (7:15 pm)

R S Rose July 2, 2023 (6:49 pm)

Judah Christ July 4, 2023 (5:51 pm)

USS Nimitz nice picture

Gary Jones July 2, 2023 (7:06 pm)

Active fire boat now off starboard of CVN 68. Also note the red, white and blue garlands on the bow. Celebratory return!

Redbird July 2, 2023 (8:28 pm)

Welcome home officers and crew

Danimal July 2, 2023 (11:16 pm)

Love it! Welcome home, sailors! There is something special about an aircraft carrier – you can read about them and get kind of a sense of what I mean, considering their historical importance and mystique, but you really can’t understand it unless you’ve set foot on one. If you ever go to San Diego, make it a point to spend a half day at the USS Midway Museum – it’s a decommissioned carrier turned into a floating miseum. It’s absolutely fascinating and you might even need more than half a day!

Richard Laipple July 3, 2023 (5:18 am)

Was stationed on the Midway from 89 till 91 and went Desert Shield/Storm with her. She kicked major ass and was an honor to serve aboard her
- Danimal July 4, 2023 (11:21 pm)
  
  Right on man. I can imagine that was quite the experience.
West Seattle Mad Sci Guy July 3, 2023 (8:20 am)

I’m still mad I got food poisoning the night before my last full day there and couldn’t go to this tour. Damn you excessive food truck tacos!!!

Dale July 3, 2023 (7:30 am)

It was passing by West Seattle at the same time 60 Minutes was airing a story about its recent deployment.

Robert (Bob) Ritter July 3, 2023 (12:43 pm)

Welcome home sailors, I was in your shoes during the Vietnam war and I know how you feel to be coming home to your wife, family, and friends. Enjoy your time at home and good luck on your next deployment. Bob Ritter FTG-2

Jen N July 4, 2023 (9:02 am)

Welcome home! I was fortunate enough to see them off in Pearl Harbor last week as they departed on their journey home❤️

Danimal July 4, 2023 (11:25 pm)

Nice!
David July 5, 2023 (9:34 pm)

I saw her at pearl harbor also on June 26th as she was being turned around by 4 tug boats before heading to San Diego.

Sorry, comment time is over.